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8 Telltale Signs You Need A Plumber To Repair Your Faucets | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on February 26, 2022

Photo By Dmitry Tkachuk at Shutterstock

It is vital to ensure that your faucets are in good working condition. A small faucet leak may waste hundreds of gallons of water every year. Dripping faucets are a common sighting in many Knoxville, TN households. If the dripping is ignored, it may lead to costly repairs, property destruction, and water damage.

Although you may use DIY techniques to fix your faucets, we advise you to enlist the services of a professional plumber to repair the faucet. Trying to fix the faucets yourself may result in further damage, meaning you will ultimately call a plumbing service and pay higher costs than you would have. Having well-maintained faucets helps conserve water and keep your water bills under control.

More importantly, properly functioning faucets ensure that homeowners can partake in their daily activities efficiently and quickly. Despite the regular maintenance, your faucets wear down and start to cause problems like any other plumbing appliance. When such happens, ensure that you call a plumbing expert. Below are some signs to watch out for to know if your faucets need the attention of a plumbing expert.

1. Dripping or Leaking

Leaking or dripping is the most obvious sign that your faucets need repair. If the water still drips from your faucet even after turning it off or leaks at the base of the faucet. Some people ignore these issues and see them as minor. Therefore, it is no surprise that these homesteads are hit with high water bills.

However, the problem might be because of the high-water pressure within the water lines, causing dripping and leaks. Even if you purchase and install a new faucet in such a case, the problem will persist. Instead of guessing the cause of the leak, it would serve you best to hire a professional plumber to assess the issue causing the faucets to drip.

2. Rust and Corrosion

Have you noticed rust around the stem of your faucet? It is time to replace the faucet. Corrosion and rust occur when the plumbing fixtures lose their sealings or protective coatings after a long time of use. This not only damages various parts of the faucet but also gives your faucet an unsightly look, making it hard to use them. Such faucets should be replaced and not repaired. Therefore, enlist the services of a professional plumbing expert to replace it with a new one. The expert can also recommend you use faucets made from quality materials that are corrosion resistant.

3. Splitting Streams

An aerator at the faucet’s tip mixes water and air to ensure the water leaves in a smooth stream. It has threads for fastening and unfastening it onto the faucet’s tip. Besides aerating the water and controlling flow, they also filer sediments and grit produced within the pipes.

The debris builds up with time, blocking the aerator’s interiors. The faucet won’t produce uniform and splash-free water streams if the aerator is clogged. Sometimes, the aerator might start leaking when the washer inside that prevents leaks gets displaced. Enlist the services of a professional plumber if the aerator is worn out entirely. They will remove the old and install a new aerator in the faucets of your home.

4. Old Pipes

Galvanized pipes are a part of the plumbing systems in most old homes. These pipes corrode and rust quicker, unlike modern pipes. This is why individuals selling their property are required by the local authorities and building codes to remove them before selling the home.

The other outdated pipes you do not want in your home are lead pipes. They are gray and can be scraped using a screwdriver. Lead is a toxic metal, and the drinking water from these pipes tastes terrible. Contact a plumbing service to assess the piping before you purchase a home.

5. Squeaky Handles

Old faucets may produce squeaky sounds whenever the handle is turned. This is because of the worn-out threading at the faucet’s stem, resulting from the interior’s wear and tear. A plumber can fix this issue quickly and ensure the handle efficiently functions without replacing the entire faucet.

6. Abnormal Water Pressure

Whether low or high, home water pressure issues at your Knoxville, TN, can be frustrating. You might be forced to wait for the faucets that take ages to fill a sink or a bathtub and showerheads that do not deliver the strong spray you need.

However, before you blame your faucets, it is vital to remember that water pressure changes may arise from clogged pipes, water leaks, and insufficient water supply. Sometimes the problem may be an improperly fixed faucet. Hire a skilled and licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing and repair all issues impacting water pressure in your plumbing system.

7. Molds

When a faucet leaks for a long time, you will see mold start to grow around it. The mold could also be caused by a minor leak from your kitchen sink that might have gone unnoticed for a long time.

Molds destroy the faucets and are unsightly. Unfortunately, if the faucet has reached such a state, it is too late to repair it. A plumber can only recommend a replacement.

8. Sounds from Your Faucet

Besides the typical sounds that water produces when it hits a surface, the faucets may also make abnormal sounds because of internal damage. For example, if the rubber is worn out, your faucet could start producing screeching sounds. Because most rubber washers may harden as they age, they could begin malfunctioning at some point. If you hear screeching sounds, contact a licensed plumber and schedule a visit to replace the rubber washers.

Conversely, clicking or cranking sounds could be a sign that your faucets have cracked. Locating the cracks in your faucets is usually a difficult task unless the entire faucet is opened. It could serve you best to have a plumbing company inspect the faucet thoroughly to identify and repair the cracks.

Repairing your faucets immediately you notice either of the signs above increases their efficiency and saves you from making routine faucet replacements in your Knoxville, TN residential or commercial property. You need not worry about your faucets’ needs because My Professional Plumber will help repair and maintain them.

Our plumbers will also conduct periodic repairs and timely maintenance to enhance their performance and increase the lifespan of your faucet. Do you need any plumbing service in your home? Call My Professional Plumber today.

7 Problems That Require An Emergency Plumber | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on November 9, 2021

Photo By nikkytok at istock

The plumbing system in your Oak Ridge, TN home is essential to your daily life. If the water delivery system or the drainage system isn’t functioning correctly, daily household tasks can be challenging, and you should call a plumber. All plumbing problems should be repaired; however, some can wait until your plumber has an opening in their schedule, while others are more serious and would require a call to a licensed plumber.

The issues below should be checked by a professional immediately.

#1 Clogged Drain

Drain issues can be a nuisance. You expect the water to flow down the drain freely when you run the water. If it doesn’t, you should call a plumber. Slow drains can make daily tasks take longer than necessary, but you can still use the sink or tub. This is a problem that can wait until your plumber has an opening. However, if the drain is clogged entirely and the water won’t go down, you should call an emergency plumber. You cannot use the sink or tub until the clog has been removed, making a clogged drain an emergency.

#2 Clogged Toilet

It is not uncommon for toilets to clog. If a toilet in your home is clogged, plunging the toilet will usually remove the clog, and your toilet will flush. If the clog in the toilet is very large, or if it is located far down in the pipes, a plunger won’t help, and you will need to call a plumber.

A clogged toilet is considered an emergency because you can’t use the toilet until the clog is removed. If you have only one toilet in your home, you need to have the clog removed immediately because you won’t be able to go to the bathroom in your home. In addition, if someone tries to flush the toilet, the water from the toilet will flood the bathroom.

It is best to call an emergency plumber as soon as plunging the toilet fails.

#3 Leaks

A leak in your home is a serious issue. You should call a plumber immediately if you find standing water under the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity. The same is true if you discover watermarks on your walls or ceilings.

There are a few reasons why leaks are considered emergencies. First, the leak can cause significant water damage in the area that can be expensive to repair. In addition, the moisture can promote mold growth which can be challenging to eradicate and can put your family’s health in jeopardy. Finally, leaks can waste a significant amount of water. Allowing the leak to persist can cause a considerable spike in your water bills.

It is best to call an emergency plumber as soon as you suspect your plumbing system is leaking somewhere.

#4 You Have No Water

If you turn on the water in your Oak Ridge, TN home and nothing comes out; you may need to call a plumber. Before you make the call, check your records to ensure your water bills are up-to-date. Next, check with a neighbor to see if they have water. This will rule out a widespread outage.

If everything checks out and you still have no water, it is time to call a professional. There are a few issues that can cause a lack of water.

  • Broken water main
  • Clogged pipes
  • Aging materials
  • Frozen pipes

Because you need running water to perform many daily tasks, this is an emergent situation, and you should call an emergency plumber immediately.

#5 No Hot Water

You need hot water to shower, cook, and clean. In addition, your dishwasher and washing machine need hot water to function correctly. You can’t go without hot water; therefore, you should call an emergency plumber. You don’t want to waste money on an unnecessary service call; therefore, you should check a few things first.

  • Electric water heater: Make sure there is power going to the water heater and a circuit hasn’t tripped.
  • Gas water heater: Make sure the pilot is lit, your gas bill has been paid, and there isn’t a widespread outage.
  • Propane water heater: Make sure the pilot is lit and there is propane in the tank.
  • Oil-fueled water heater: Make sure the pilot is lit and there is oil in the tank.

If everything checks out, it is time to call a plumber. They can inspect your water heater to determine why you don’t have hot water so they can determine if the issue can be repaired or if it is best to replace the water heater.

#6 Leaking Water Heater

If the water heater in your Oak Ridge, TX home is leaking, you should call an emergency plumber right away. If you allow the problem to persist for even one day, all stored hot water will flood your home.

#7 Frozen Pipes

If it is freezing outside and you aren’t getting any water from the taps in your Oak Ridge, TN home, you should call a plumber. There is a good chance the pipes are frozen, which is a very serious problem.

When the water in the pipes freezes, the water will expand and can cause the pipes to burst, flooding your home.

An emergency plumber can thaw the pipes quickly and safely, preventing a disaster from occurring.

Why Choose My Professional Plumber?

If you have a serious plumbing issue that requires an emergency plumber, contact My Professional Plumber. We are a full-service plumbing service with close to 70 years of combined experience in the plumbing industry.

Our plumbers are professionally trained and can handle any job, whether it is something simple like a slow drain or more complex like re-piping.

We have earned an excellent reputation over the years. In 2017, we were the winner of Home Advisor’s Best Of Award. In 2018, we won Angie’s List Super Service Award and City View’s Best of the Best award. We also have a 5-star rating on Google.

To schedule an appointment with an emergency plumber or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.

Common Winter Plumbing Issues Your Plumber Can Fix | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on November 3, 2021

Photo By Afanasiev Andrii at Shutterstock

Winters in Knoxville, TN, can be harsh and could affect your plumbing systems. Cold temperatures can result in costly damages to your pipes. Some of the issues you can experience include frozen pipes, failed water heaters, clogged drains, or burst water pipes. However, you can avoid these issues if you take care of your plumbing system and know how to identify them sooner before they become an emergency.

As a homeowner, you should know how to take care of your plumbing system and take quick action if a problem arises. When the outside weather is cold, water freezes, causing unending plumbing issues. Watch out for these common winter plumbing issues and contact a plumber as soon as you spot them.

Frozen Pipes

Most homes feature outside pipes supplying water from the main water line or the farm for irrigation purposes. Because these pipes are outdoors, they are vulnerable to freezing or rusting due to temperature fluctuations. Frozen pipes are common during the winter months.

The high water pressure plus the temperatures below the freezing point cause pipes to freeze. You will know you have frozen pipes if the water pressure in your home starts diminishing. Also, indoor pipes are susceptible to damage during harsh winters. Water pipes along insulated walls can freeze.

As the pipe freezes, water inside expands, thereby resulting in pipe cracks or even bursting. Burst pipes can result in expensive water damages and costly repairs if left unresolved. When approaching cold weather, it’s vital to hire a plumbing professional to inspect your pipes to identify lines that could be at risk for freezing. A plumber can add insulation to pipes in uninsulated outdoors and those on exterior walls. You can also ask a professional to install pressure relief valves on the plumbing lines to eliminate excess pressure when pipes freeze.

Clogged Drains

During winter, most Knoxville, TN homeowners spend their time indoors. Also, you and your family may not be eating out when the outside weather is cold. You will get busy indoors with more cooking and celebrations. Also, if you like partying indoors, chances are you will be cooking more than usual.

With many friends and family members around, it can be a pain in your kitchen and the sinks. If you have children doing the dishes, they can drain waste food inappropriately. Food wastes such as oils and grease can build up in the pipes, and when winter hits, they can solidify, leaving you with non-draining sinks. You may decide to pour hot water through the sink, but that may not change anything.

All you can do is pick up your phone and call a certified plumber to identify the cause and offer a permanent solution. Instead of washing off food waste down the sink, have a separate trash bin for leftovers. If you’re not careful, it can turn your black Friday into a brown Friday.

Water Heater Failure

There is nothing more irritating than turning your hot water faucet only to be hit by endless drops of chilly water. Since your family stays indoors, the bathroom and kitchen become busy most of the time. Your water heater has to overwork to meet the hot water demands of your home. As a result, its parts wear out and may result in a total breakdown.

A lukewarm bath is not just frustrating, but it’s also a sign of a failing water heater. Also, if you experience fluctuating water temperatures, strange sounds coming from the unit, or visible leaks around its base, contact a plumbing company right away. Similar to a broken pipe, a leaking water heater can be an issue you cannot ignore.

Water Line Leaks

Water leaks can happen at any time of the year, but leaks occur more often during winter. An abrupt drop in temperature can be hard on the plumbing pipes, just as you can feel the cold too. Most pipes are made of copper, which is not good at tolerating temperature changes. So, when the temperature is below freezing point, pipes shrink, the water inside expands, and the water line might split to result in excessive water loss.

It’s a problem you cannot fix yourself, and you may need help from your local plumber. To help you identify a leak sooner, you can ask a plumber to install leak detectors in your plumbing systems. With a leak detection system, you can spot a leak before it can cause excessive damage.

Frozen Septic System

If you have a septic tank in your home, winter can affect its functionality. Septic tanks are covered with a layer of soil, but if the insulation is missing, be sure to experience drainage issues and backflows. When that happens, you should not thaw it by using direct heat.

Call a professional plumber to assess the situation and perform necessary repairs. Your plumber can identify exposed lines and add insulation. You should also avoid disposing of fats, grease, and non-degradable matter down the drains because it can affect the efficiency of the septic tank.

Sump Pump Backing up

Sump Pump drains excess water away from a home’s foundation to prevent the basement from flooding. It can also prevent water-related issues, including mold growth and property damage. Unfortunately, sump pumps might fail during cold months and may need repairs. These systems may have to overwork trying to evacuate water resulting from melting ice.

A sump pump may back up because of clogs or freezing. To ensure your system is ready for the winter, you should hire a plumber to examine and clear any debris that can cause blockage. You can also ask a plumber to install outdoor drainage lines to drain water away from the foundation to avoid overloading the sump pump.

Keep Winter Plumbing Issues at Bay

When you experience any of the above problems, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional. At My Professional Plumber, we provide plumbing services to Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas.

Our trained experts can help you fix any plumbing issue you may have or diagnose problems that are yet to happen, thereby saving you cash and protecting your home from water damage. Whether you have clogged sinks, malfunctioning water heater, or backflow issues, we can help. We are available day or night and even on holidays to address your plumbing needs.

Water Heater Repair | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on July 27, 2021

Photo By Ирина Мещерякова at istock

Most homes will have a water heater and will use them several times a day, meaning that they are rarely switched off. It has been estimated that water heaters account for between 14 to 18 percent of your energy bills.

This makes the use of water heaters the second largest expense in your home. Therefore, they must be serviced regularly to ensure that they are as energy-efficient as possible. Although they are normally very reliable, water heaters can break down, meaning that you will need a water heater repair professional to look at your appliance.

If It is bad enough having the unit break down now comes the hard part of finding a trustworthy water heater repair company in Oak Ridge, TN to fix it! You need somebody with many years of experience, with a team of highly qualified technicians, who have a reputation for the highest standards of work at affordable prices. You need the water heater experts at My Professional Plumber, and we offer an emergency service 24 hours a day, every day.

What Types of Water Heaters Are There?

There are numerous types of water heaters on the market. But these are the most common.

  • Tank or Storage Water Heater – these are the most common kind of water heater in American homes. They are a simple design consisting of a single, large, insulated tank holding between 20 to 80 gallons. The tank is constantly kept heated so there is always a large amount of hot water available. They are usually cheaper to buy and install but occupy a large amount of space.

 

  • Tankless Water Heater – These types of units are becoming more and more popular. They are smaller and more compact because they do not need a large external tank. Because they only produce hot water on demand, they are more energy-efficient than tank heaters. However, they are more expensive to buy and install, particularly if they are gas-powered and so need air vents to supply fresh air for combustion and allow dangerous combustion gases like carbon monoxide to escape. We at My Professional Plumber strongly recommend this type of water heater, for despite the initial upfront cost they will save you money in the long term and they are proven to last up to three times longer than a tank heater.

 

  • Hybrid Tankless Water Heater – One of the drawbacks of the tankless water heater is that there is not an instant supply of hot water. This type of water heater contains a small tank with hot water for instant use. This is ideal if you use hot water in small quantities.

Save Money with Regular Maintenance

Professional Plumber advises that you have your water heater regularly serviced. This will ensure that it is working safely and is running as efficiently as possible, reducing your energy bills. Without regular servicing, you may invalidate the warranty on your heater. It has been estimated that the average cost of a water heater repair is over $500, so a regular service will lessen the risk of an expensive water heater repair and will also give you peace of mind.

Common Problems with Water Heaters

If you need a water heater repair, then call My Professional Plumber for a fast repair. There are several signs to be on the lookout for to avoid an expensive water heater repair and these include:

  • Overloading Your Water Heater – Not getting hot water from your heater is not a good sign but it does not mean that you need a water heater repair. Since moving into your home, you have probably bought more water appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. You may have a larger family who uses the shower more often than in the past. You could be overloading the capacity of your water heater by having too many water appliances on at once. This could cause your water heater to shut down and if this happens too often could cause it to break, needing an expensive water heater repair. A temporary solution would be to not use as many appliances at the same time, but in the long term, you probably need to upgrade your water heater to cope with the extra demand.

 

  • Check Your Air Vents – if your water heater is gas-powered, you need to check periodically whether the vents are blocked. The vents are needed to supply fresh air to ensure combustion and remove dangerous gases. Regular cleaning will prevent blocking and make the unit more efficient. This can be part of a regular service from My Professional Plumber.

 

  • Is Your Water Heater Making Strange Noises? – If you live in an area of hard water, you could experience mineral buildup on the bottom of the tank and can also cover the electrical heating element. This could be why you are hearing those strange crackling, sizzling, and hissing noises from your electric water heater. Not having your system regularly descaled will increase the likelihood of a water heater repair or even a full replacement of the unit.

 

  • Is Your Heater over Ten-Years Old? – Nothing lasts forever and even the best-maintained heaters will wear out. If your heater is over 10 years old and needs more and more repairs, it may be time to think about replacing it.

Whether you wish to replace or upgrade your unit, you may need help selecting the right model. There is a bewildering choice of water heater on the market. Choosing the right one is enough to confuse anyone, and you need to be sure that whatever your choice you do not buy an underpowered heater. Let My Professional Plumber help you to decide what is the right-sized unit for you and your finances.

Why Choose My Professional Plumber of Oak Ridge, TN?

My Professional Plumber takes great pride in providing water heater services to the community around Oak Ridge, TN. We realize the stress caused by any water heater breaking down and we will try to send a technician around to you quickly, no matter what the time of day or night. Whatever your plumbing needs, one of our highly trained plumbers will be able to help you get back up and running ASAP.

4 Issues That Require The Help Of A Licensed Plumber | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on July 24, 2021

Photo By HstrongART at Shutterstock

Since the invention of running water, we have relied on it for many things. We need running water to bathe, brush our teeth, cook, and clean. Running water is also essential for appliances, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerators with an ice maker and water dispenser to function properly. You rely on more than running water in your Oak Ridge, TN home. You also rely on the drainage system to remove water and waste from the home. If the water supply system or the drainage system in your home isn’t working properly, performing daily household tasks can be difficult.

If your plumbing system is experiencing any of the signs listed below, schedule an appointment with a licensed plumber.

#1 Toilet Issues

A broken toilet is a very inconvenient issue. This is especially true if you have only one toilet in your home. The most common issue is a toilet that cannot flush. If there is a clog in the toilet and a plunger doesn’t help, you should call a licensed plumbing service. There could be a very large clog, or the clog could be located deep in the pipes, which the plunger cannot reach. A plumbing professional will find the location of the clog and remove it completely, allowing the toilet to flush again.

A constantly running toilet is also a serious issue. If your toilet is functioning properly, it will run when the toilet is flushed, and it should stop when the toilet tank is full. If the toilet continues to run, you should call a plumber. A running toilet can waste up to 30 gallons of water per day. If you allow the problem to persist, it can cause a significant increase in your water bill. There are a few issues that could be causing the problem.

  • The flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.
  • The refill tube is too long and needs to be shortened.
  • The float is too high and needs to be lowered.
  • There is an issue with the tank’s seal.

These issues can be repaired by a plumbing service, and if you make the call immediately, you can prevent a massive waste of water.

#2 Drain Issues

Slow drains can be a nuisance, and a completely clogged drain is a major problem. If you are having drain issues, don’t waste your time with liquid drain cleaners. These products aren’t always effective, and there is no guarantee that the entire clog will be removed. If it isn’t, it will only be a matter of time before the issue reoccurs. If the drain is completely clogged, a liquid drain cleaner will be useless. In addition, these products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your pipes. If your drains are slow or clogged, you should call a licensed plumbing service. They can use one of a few methods to remove the entire clog safely. The one they choose will depend on the size and location of the clog.

A gurgling drain is another issue that would require the help of a licensed plumbing service. When there is a large clog in the drain, the water will need to change directions. The force of air caused by this direction change will cause the gurgling sound. The longer you wait to call a plumbing professional, the higher the risk that the drain will become completely clogged.

#3 Water Heater Issues

You rely on your water heater for many tasks in your Oak Ridge, TN home. You need hot water to shower, cook, and clean. In addition, your dishwasher and washing machine rely on hot water to function properly. If your water heater is malfunctioning, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. A few tell-tale signs that your water heater is malfunctioning.

  • No hot water
  • Lukewarm hot water, even when it is turned on full-blast.
  • Reduced amount of hot water
  • Poor hot water pressure
  • Discolored hot water
  • Foul-smelling hot water
  • Banging sounds coming from the water heater
  • Moisture or pooling water around the water heater

If the water heater in your Oak Ridge, TX home is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call a plumbing company right away.

#4 Water Pressure Issues

Poor water pressure is an annoying problem. If the water pressure isn’t powerful enough, simple daily tasks will take longer than they should. Also, without adequate water pressure, your water-based appliances won’t function properly.

If just the hot water pressure is poor, your water heater could be to blame. Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the water tank, clogging the waterline, obstructing the water flow. If you turn on the hot water and the water pressure is suddenly very high or sputters from high to low, your water heater could have a faulty expansion tank.

If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, the issue is with your plumbing system. The problem could be something simple like a clogged aerator in the faucet. The issue could also be a leak in the waterline, which is more serious. Waterline leaks can waste a lot of water, causing your water bills to increase. In addition, the pooling water can cause water damage and promote mold growth.

If you have any water pressure issues in your Oak Ridge, TX home, you should call a licensed plumber. A plumber will inspect your plumbing system and water heater to figure out what is causing the water heater issues so the necessary repair can be made.

Why Choose My Professional Plumber?

If you are having issues in your Oak Ridge, TN home that require the assistance of a licensed plumber, contact My Professional Plumber. We have been serving customers in the area for many years, and our plumbers have over 65 years of plumbing experience.

We understand that plumbing emergencies don’t always occur at the most convenient time. If you have a plumbing issue outside of our regular hours, we offer 24/7 emergency service. We will send a plumber to your home as quickly as we would if you had called during regular business hours.

We want you to feel safe when our plumber arrives at your home, which is why all employees must pass a background check and a drug test before they are hired. Your comfort and safety are important to us.

To schedule an appointment for plumbing repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.

Residential Plumbing From Your Local Plumber: Causes Of Garbage Disposal Leaks | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on June 3, 2021

Photo By Mariakray at istock

Garbage disposals have become a necessity in many U.S. homes since their invention in 1927. They are installed on the underside of sinks to collect and grind solid waste that flows between the sink drain and the P trap. Afterward, the broken-down waste flows smoothly through the plumbing drain pipes connected to the sewer. It prevents frequent clogging issues in drain systems. Like other residential plumbing appliances in most homes in Oak Ridge, TN, garbage disposals can also showcase defects, including leakages.

You should always be on the lookout for leakage issues and get them fixed immediately by a plumber to prevent problems such as foul smell, a magnified drip sound from the unit, and flooding inside your house.

Besides, your home may be a health hazard causing respiratory and digestive infections. You don’t want to dig into your savings to cater to the expensive medical bills. With that in mind, it’s prudent you get some insights on various causes of garbage disposal leaks.

i) Old and Damaged Gaskets

Your garbage disposal’s gasket is located between the rubber seal and flange. You may be conducting your kitchen cleaning duties, and your eyes bump into a discharge from the top section of your garbage disposal. It may be a sign that your gasket is defective, and the next step you should take is to look for a reliable plumber to handle the defect.

Sometimes the leakage can arise because the gasket is weak after using your garbage disposal often. Also, if you don’t use the appliance frequently, the gasket can get dry and trigger leakages. The professional you get will replace the hard-to-repair gasket after assessing the extent of the damage.

ii) Faulty Dishwasher Connection

If you’re a homeowner in Oak Ridge, TN, you may notice disposal unit leakages caused by detached or loose connections on the drainpipe joining it to your dishwasher. The pipe directs food waste from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal. The leaks can stem from the loose metal clamp that connects your dishwasher to the garbage disposal.

Cracked and dried-out areas on hoses that connect the dishwasher with the disposal unit could also be a source of the problem. If you suspect leaks originate from connections between your dishwasher and garbage disposal, you should stop using the dishwasher and talk to a plumber to fix the issue. Afterward, you may resume your washing roles as usual.

iii) Displaced Garbage Disposal

You may have some storage space under your kitchen sink where the disposal is installed. While accessing the stored items, you may accidentally knock the disposal and drain pipes without knowing, and this can make the disposal unit shift out of the original position. The shift can lead to disconnections of joints and loosening of nuts.

The next time you’ll run water through your sink, you’ll probably face big leakage problems. At this point, a qualified plumber is the best person to contact to offer immediate help. After fixing the problem, the plumber can also suggest the best kitchen designers help you build more storage space in your kitchen and transfer items stored under your sink to the new spaces.

iv) Leaking Reset Button

If your garbage disposal unity is old, the probability of a leaking reset button is high. Although calling a plumber to repair the defect can only be a temporary solution. And if you keep on calling the plumber to fix the leak, you may incur high service costs over time. The ideal solution to this problem is to look for a plumber to offer you installation services after buying a new garbage disposal.

A leaking reset button commonly stipulates that the one or more seals of the inside shell of the disposal that safeguards the motor is worn out. One defective seal affects the other until all become faulty. This is why a new installation is an effective option.

v) Defective Sink Flange

A sink flange is located at the topmost point of your garbage disposal that helps to prevent waste from blocking the kitchen sink drain. It joins the sink drain with your garbage disposal. When you notice a leak at the top of the unit, it’s an indicator the flange could be loose or worn out.

The plumber’s putty could be weak or the mounting bolts may be loose. A skilled professional can assess the top area and ascertain the exact problem. Some of the repairs the technician may conduct include applying new putty and replacing rusty and fastening loose bolts.

vi) Cracked Surface

As usual, any appliance passes through the usage cycle and reaches a point it wears and tears, and garbage disposals aren’t spares. The interior surface of the garbage disposal shell could crack, and this could be a tough incident to identify with a naked eye. However, the exterior body of the disposal may also fracture, and you can detect the issue by looking for any discharge or touching the shell for any wet areas. If you notice any cracks, the best option is to replace the whole unit. A professional can help you to select the best garbage disposal and afterward handle the installation.

Prevent Future Leaks

Having to cope with odor or cleaning up water pooled under your kitchen sink floor can be very irritating. Additionally, looking for plumbing professionals to fix leakages on your garbage disposal units often could be costly.

The secret behind preventing leaks in your unit is simple: ensure your disposal system only grinds soft waste food particles and not hard particles, including bones and seafood shells. Additionally, you can plan with a plumbing professional to inspect your unit at least twice a year to detect minor issues and repair them before the defects intensify.

Get Garbage Disposal Services Today!

My Professional Plumber is located in Oak Ridge, TN, and it’s the place to go when you have emergencies with your home’s garbage disposal system. Our professionals are experienced and offer quality service tailored to meet your needs, be it new installations, part and whole unit replacements, or leakage repairs. All you have to do is call us. We will be glad and promptly serve you.

When To Call The Emergency Plumber For Common But Serious Plumbing Emergencies | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on May 6, 2021

Photo By Geber86 at istock

Are you experiencing a plumbing emergency? If you are, you should contact your local, licensed plumber for urgent plumbing service. Plumbing malfunctions can happen unexpectedly. It is important to pay attention to your plumbing system and address its needs as soon as possible. The faster you repair a plumbing malfunction the less damage will occur. This is especially true for plumbing emergency malfunctions. Any type of plumbing malfunctions warrants a call to the plumbing company. Emergency plumbing service usually occurs on the same day. Plumbing emergencies usually have to be taken care of within the day in order to prevent further damages. If your plumbing system is experiencing any of the following malfunctions contact an emergency plumber. If you live in the Knoxville, TN, area, contact the plumbing professionals at My Professional Plumber.

Plumbing Emergencies

There are so many components to plumbing systems. A plumbing emergency can happen anywhere on a property at a moment’s notice. Some common plumbing malfunctions turn into plumbing emergencies due to the area it is in. If your plumbing system springs a small leak somewhere along the pipeline it may or may not be considered an emergency based on how severe the leak is, however, if that same lea occurred over important stationary electronic devices you would need to contact an emergency plumbing company in order to prevent your precious electronics from becoming severely water damaged. Plumbing emergencies can usually be determined on a case-by-case basis. If your plumbing malfunction resembles any of the following examples, have a professional plumbing technician repair your plumbing system urgently. Doing so can save you a lot of money and reduce the accumulation of damage.

Clogs

Clogs can happen in any drains. The kitchen sink and bathroom tub are usually the most common drains to become clogged. If you’re lucky your toilet won’t become clogged as often. These drains do become clogged due to the types of debris that are usually swept down them. If these drains become clogged it may not be cause for alarm. You should still contact a professional whether it is an emergency or not. Contacting a licensed plumber for professional clog removal will help prevent clogs in the future.

One of the types of clogs that should be considered an emergency is the toilet clogs that can’t be remedied with the help of a simple plunger. It is extremely common for toilets to become clogged. Sometimes the clogs are caused by things such as too much tissue or something similar. This can usually be fixed with plunging. Plunging works by changing the pressure from below and above the clog. The motion loosens the debris causing the clog and allows the water to pass through freely. If using the plunger is able to fix a clog then you may not need to contact a plumber. If you find yourself using a plunger often then you should contact a plumbing company right away. This indicates there is a problem much more complex than a simple one. If your toilet drain is no longer draining then you will need to contact an emergency plumber for immediate assistance.

Sinks typically become clogged due to food debris. If your kitchen sink doesn’t have a garbage disposal, you should not let food get into the drain. Food easily becomes lodged in drains, causing serious clogs that smell bad and attract bacteria, mold, and insects. Clogs that happen in other areas such as the tub or bathroom sink can be avoided with periodic professional drain cleaning services from a trusted and licensed plumbing service provider. If you live in the Knoxville, TN, area, and are in need of emergency or nonemergency plumbing services, contact My Professional Plumber for drain cleaning and clog removal services.

No Water

Having no water in the home would be considered an emergency. Before you call the emergency plumber check to see if you have water anywhere on the property. If the lack of water is isolated to one area it could be due to a variety of causes. One of those causes could be a major leak somewhere along the water supply system. If this is the case, you will need to contact an emergency plumber right away.

If there is no water anywhere on the entire property it could be due to general public maintenance. If you haven’t received any notices that would relay any information of work being one on the water lines in your area, you may need to contact your water supply company. If work is indeed being done, you can rest assured knowing your water will be on sooner or later. If this is not the case, you may need to contact an emergency plumber for immediate investigation and repair of your water supply system.

No Hot Water

Having no hot water is an unfortunate occurrence, however, these things do happen. If you have recently used a ton of hot water your hot water will run out, only to return after the hot water heater has had a chance to generate more heated water. To generate more hot water the hot water heater simply funnels more clean cold water into the tank and then proceeds to heat the water with some source of heat. If the hot water heater is electricity-powered it will be heated by an electric pilot light. If the hot water heater is gas-powered the water will be heated by a flame. Having no hot water is alarming and rightfully so.

If your hot water heater is gas-powered and the pilot light has gone out. This could be a very dangerous situation. The pilot light for the hot water heater must remain lit, in order to prevent a gas leak. If your hot water heater isn’t working check to see if the pilot light is on. If the pilot light is not on, contact a professional for immediate assistance. If you can, find the water heater’s gas shut-off valve to prevent gas from leaking into the house. Keep the gas off and windows open until an emergency plumber can assist you with the necessary repair and maintenance of your water heating appliance. There are many other reasons your hot water could be off. No matter the reason, contact an emergency plumbing technician for immediate assistance and repair. If you live in or around the Knoxville, TN, area, contact My Professional Plumber for all of your plumbing service needs.

7 Signs That You Should Call For Water Heater Repair | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on May 3, 2021

Photo By Galina Sandalova at istock

Every appliance in your Oak Ridge, TN home is essential in making your daily life easier and more convenient. While every appliance is important, some are more essential than others. Your water heater is a perfect example of this. If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you won’t have hot water, which is essential for many daily household tasks. It is important that you can recognize the signs that your water heater isn’t functioning properly. If you can recognize the signs early, you can call for water heater repair, preventing a minor issue from becoming a major one.

#1 No Hot Water

The most obvious sign that there is an issue with your water heater is no hot water coming from the faucets and showerheads. If your water heater runs on oil, you should first make sure that there is oil in the tank. If your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure that your service hasn’t been terminated and that there isn’t a widespread power outage. You should also make sure that your pilot light hasn’t gone out.

If everything checks out, you should call for water heater repair. The heating elements in your water heater may have failed, making it impossible to keep the water in the tank heated.

#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

If the hot water in your Oak Ridge, TN, is coming out lukewarm, you should first check the thermostat setting. It is recommended that you keep your water heater set to 120 degrees. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, making an adjustment should fix the problem. If the thermostat is set properly, schedule an appointment for a repair. Water heaters have two heating elements. If only one heating element is functioning properly, the water won’t reach the desired temperature.

#3 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly

If you notice that you are running out of hot water quickly and the end of your showers are often cold, you should consider your hot water demand. If you have a large family, the issue could be that your water heater isn’t large enough. If this is the case, having a larger water heater or a tankless water heater installed will resolve the issue.

If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, you should call for water heater repair. Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the water tank. When this happens, there will be less room for hot water storage, which could be causing the problem.

#4 Poor Hot Water Flow

Poor water flow can be very frustrating. It can make daily tasks like rinsing shampoo from your hair difficult. It can also affect the way your water-based appliances function. When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can clog the water lines, causing poor hot water flow. The sooner you call for water heater repair, the sooner the lines can be cleaned, which will resolve the problem.

#5 Rusty Hot Water

It is dangerous to bathe, drink and cook with rusty water. If your hot and cold water is coming out rusty, your pipes are probably corroded. If just the hot water is coming out rusty, the issue lies within your water heater and should be repaired immediately.

If sediment is built up inside the water tank, it can break up and come out in the hot water, making it rusty. This is a serious issue that would require emergency water heater repair. If there is too much sediment buildup inside the water tank, the tech will suggest that you have the water heater in your home replaced.

#6 Strange Sounds Coming From the Water Heater

A properly functioning water heater shouldn’t make any more noise than a low-level humming. If you hear banging or clanging sounds coming from the water heater, you should immediately call for a repair.

Over time, sediment can build up inside the water tank. If the sediment pieces are large enough, they can bang into the sides of the water tank. Ignoring the problem can result in a crack in the water heater, causing a major flood in your home. It is best to schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as you notice the strange sounds.

#7 Moisture Around the Water Heater

There should never be moisture or water pooling around the water heater. If there is, it is an emergency situation and would require immediate repair.

The problem could be something that is simple to fix, such as a broken or disconnected hose. However, the problem could be something more serious, like a crack in the water tank. This is a serious issue that can result in a major flood in your home. Any moisture can cause water damage or mold growth around the water heater, which can be difficult and expensive to repair. It is best to schedule an appointment for water heater repair as soon as you discover the problem.

Why Choose My Professional Plumber?

If you have any issues with your water heater, don’t waste your time doing a Google search for “water heater repair near me.” Instead, schedule an appointment with My Professional Plumber. We have been serving residential and business customers in Oak Ridge, TN, and the surrounding areas for many years. Our highly trained, licensed, and insured plumbers have over 70 years of combined experience and can handle any water heater issue.

We understand that water heater issues can arise at any time of the day or night, and many need immediate attention. This is why we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a water heater issue at night or on a holiday, we will get to you as quickly as we would if you had called during regular business hours.

We have an excellent reputation in the community and the industry. We are the 2017 winner of Home Advisor’s Best Of. We also received Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2018 and 2019. We also have a 5-star rating on Google.

To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing issue, give us at My Professional Plumber a call today.

Why Should You Schedule Preventative Water Heater Repair Service With The Experts | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on April 30, 2021

Photo By Minerva Studio at istock

A water heating system is an absolute must in any household. You don’t want a faulty water heater on your hands with the onset of winter. However, to make sure your heater functions correctly, it is prudent to have a regular maintenance schedule throughout the year, even when you might not need the water heater as much, for example, in the summer months.

With preventive maintenance from professional water heater repair service agencies, you can prevent larger issues from cropping up in the future. It is a much better idea to nip a small problem in the bud rather than letting it snowball into a significant problem that will require much more extensive repairs.

Here are some reasons you should set up water heater preventive maintenance with experts from Oak Ridge, TN, and the problems you will avoid while doing so.

1.  To Lengthen the LifeSpan of the Water Heater 

When experts carry out regular inspections from time to time, they can often detect and resolve many minor problems, which might not be visible to an inexperienced eye. Over time, they could culminate in significant issues. With regular maintenance from the water heater repair service, you will be able to extend the lifespan of your heater. It stays in good shape and becomes more resistant to wear and tear. The experts will inspect the wiring and prevent any electrical issues that could lead to unfortunate accidents. You will end up saving a lot of money in the long run because you won’t have to invest in a new water heater any time soon.

2.  Limescale Formation Removal

In areas with hard water, water heaters quickly develop limescale layers, which hinders the heater’s regular functions. Limescale formation will not only reduce the longevity of the water heater but will also result in slower heating. It forms a layer that prevents the water from heating as quickly as it should, and you might find yourself waiting for hours for hot water, making you late for work.

Experts from water heater repair service are the best people to dismantle your water heater and clean out the limescale. They have specialized tools and equipment to disintegrate the limescale without causing any damage to the heater. Trying any DIY methods at home can lead to significant damages and can result in some very costly mistakes on your part.

3.  Lower Electricity Bills

With experts from water heater repair service tending to your water heater, you can lower your electricity bills to a large extent. Faulty heaters consume more electricity as it takes time for the water to heat up. You might end up consuming hundreds of units of electricity extra per day to enjoy optimum heating.

You can entirely prevent this extra expense with a water heater repair service at Oak Ridge, TN. The technicians will check the components and notify you if any parts have to be replaced to prevent major issues later. Preventive measures are far better than trying to fix something after the damage has been done. It would help if you had experts to help you identify the exact problems that might arise later with the present markers.

4.  Customized Service

While all water heaters more or less follow a standard mechanism, there are still differences among them in terms of the heater model, the heater’s age, and the technology used to run it. If you think you will figure all that out from a manual, you will not be entirely correct. Some heaters run on gas while some run on electricity. It takes a water heater repair service expert to understand the various water heater models’ components and repair them accordingly. You should leave the task to the experts.

5.   Making Sure the Components Work

Specific components in a water heater need extra care. For example, the temperature and the pressure release valve are critical components. It is a safety device that opens and releases excess temperature or pressure building up inside the tank. If the temperature goes beyond the 210 degrees F mark or the pressure crosses 150 PSI, the valve opens right away. If it does not, there is a chance that the tank will burst and can cause a major accident.

You need a water heater repair service expert to detect whether there is anything wrong with the valve or not. They inspect the valve by shutting off the gas or electricity supply and then release the valve’s trip lever. If all goes well, some water, some vapor, and the gush of air should flow out. If the valve doesn’t open, it might not be very accurate, and the expert will advise you to replace it.

6.   Replacing Anode Rod

The water heater repair service expert will also advise you if the anode rod needs to be replaced. It is a device that prevents the water heater from rusting from the inside, which is a severe issue in regions with hard water. The anode rod is a steel tube made of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and it will attract the metallic impurities that could cause the heater to oxidize.

Only a water heater repair service expert will be able to replace it for you properly, which is ideally every two or three years. They will check if the water appears rusty or if there is a metallic smell in the water. They will also drain all the water and clean your water tank to prevent metal and residue build-up, which might reduce the heater’s hot water capacity.

With Repair Service From My Professional Plumber in Oak Ridge, TN You Will Always Have Hot Water at Your Disposal.

Certified technicians from My Professional Plumber in the Oak Ridge, TN area will always get back to you as soon as they receive a call from you about your water heater. They understand how difficult it might be for a household to run without hot water, especially if there are children and elderly in the family. Whether you need help checking your water heater for regular maintenance or whether you want to repair a broken water heater, the water heater repair service experts have you covered. Place a call today, and your worries about your heater will be soon behind you.

Finding A Good And Reliable Plumber | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on March 25, 2021

Photo By Aleutie at istock

Have you got a blocked or overflowing toilet? Are you tired of watching sinks and bathtubs slowly drain? Is a dripping tap driving you mad? Sounds like you need a good plumber. If you live in Knoxville, TN, you need to look no further than My Professional Plumber to save the day.

Whatever kind of plumbing service you need, turn to the experts at My Professional Plumber. We have an unrivaled team at hand to help you in your hour of need.

Who is going to fix your toilet in the middle of the night? Who is going to come out at Christmas to fix a burst pipe? My Professional Plumber will! We are available to help all day every day, whatever the time.

Blocked and Overflowing Toilets

We have all done it, who has not put wet wipes and Kleenex down a toilet. Items like these are not designed to dissolve easily in water and are the cause of many a blockage. Similarly putting sanitary towels and cat litter down a toilet is also a no-no. The only items that should go down the toilet are human waste, toilet paper, and gentle cleaning chemicals.

it may be tempting to put harsh chemicals down the toilet to remove any blockages, but we recommend that you don’t do this. If you overuse these chemicals, you can weaken the joints and seals around the pipes and cause a leak.

Using harsh chemicals will not remove any plastic toys or other objects that a child has flushed down the toilet. The blockage could be located further along with your plumbing system and so any chemicals will not reach.

When Do You Need a Plumber?

We also recommend that you do not keep re-flushing the toilet to remove any blockage. It could cause an overflow and flood your bathroom with harmful bacteria along with any chemicals you may have poured down the toilet. Call us straight away as we are equipped with protective clothing to keep us safe while cleaning the mess up.

Clogged Drains

A sure sign of clogs having formed in your pipework is water in your sink taking longer and longer to drain. Clogs form when there is a build-up of grease, food, hair, and other materials on the inside of pipes. Pouring warm grease down the sink is also a big no-no as it sticks to the inside of pipes as it cools.

Other materials will when stuck to the grease and buildup eventually completely block the pipe. Pouring chemical solutions down the sink can be effective but can cause damage to pipes if they are old or worn.

Blocked Sewer Line

As wastewater and toilet waste will all flow into the same sewer line, the same materials that can clog pipes or block toilets will do the same for sewer lines. If you have standing water in your sinks, bathtubs, and shower drain, you may have a blocked sewer line.

If discolored water is gurgling back up or you can smell sewage you need to call an emergency plumber immediately. Dangerous bacteria and viruses are entering your home creating a severe health risk.

Sewer lines could also have been damaged by tree roots, shifting ground, or simple wear and tear. This will cause blockages too, with the added danger of the sewage flowing into the ground around or under your house.

Burst Pipe

If you have a burst pipe the first thing you should do is turn off your water supply. Prompt action will save you from extensive water damage to your property and possessions and avoid the heartache of having to clean up the mess and replace priceless items. Another good idea is to switch off your electricity supply before anything else, you do not want to electrocute yourself or one of our plumbers!

If you do not know how to turn off your water and electricity supplies, it is probably a good idea to find out now. Having safely protected your home, call My Professional Plumber who is ready 24 hours a day to come to your aid.

Pools of Water Around Your Home

If you have pools of water around the perimeter of your house or your lawn is unusually green and damp you could have a slab leak. Most houses are now built on a concrete slab foundation and will have water and sewer lines underneath or running through the concrete. If any of these lines have started to leak, water will saturate the ground around the slab.

When the ground freezes or thaws it will alternatively expand and contract, putting extra pressure on the slab and causing it to crack. Water will enter these cracks and may seep to the top of the slab further damaging it on the way. You may notice that your floor has cracks in it, and it may also be damp.

The foundation has been compromised and may make your house structurally unsafe, causing it to collapse. You need to act quickly and call My Professional Plumber.

Low Water Pressure and Larger than Expected Water Bills

The most common cause of low water pressure is that there is a leak somewhere on your property. If your recent water bills have increased a lot, you probably leak somewhere.

Low water pressure could be due to faulty valves in a water heater, clogging, or corrosion in older pipes. Only an experienced plumber can quickly find the cause of the low pressure and carry out the correct repair.

Regular Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your plumbing system regularly maintained. This will catch any problems early and so prevent them from causing more serious problems later.

Standing Out from the Rest

My Professional Plumber will offer you honest and fair prices. We offer the best customer service and plumbing expertise in the Knoxville area. We are so confident that we offer you a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are proud to serve the community of Knoxville, TN. If you need us, give us a call and we will be there.

Location

118 North Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37923

Hours

Monday–Saturday
8:00 am–5:00pm

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